A CoPd nanoalloy embedded N-doped porous carbon catalyst for the selective reduction and reductive amination of levulinic acid using formic acid in water

Abstract

Biomass-derived levulinic acid and formic acid are essential platform chemicals that can fulfil the demands of renewable fuels and valuable chemicals. Using formic acid as a green and sustainable source for the reductive transformation of biomass compounds such as levulinic acid is highly exciting at the current time. Herein, formic acid-mediated levulinic acid valorization (reduction and reductive amination) was carried out in water using a CoPd nanoalloy embedded mesoporous N-doped carbon (CoPd@N-C) catalyst. CoPd@N-C was synthesized using a nanoemulsion assembly strategy, employing F127 as the soft template, followed by carbonization. The systematic modification of the textural properties and electronic properties was carefully assessed using various characterization techniques. The detailed catalyst characterization revealed the ordered porous architecture, successful formation of the CoPd nanoalloy and N-doping significantly responsible for the levulinic acid transformation to γ-valerolactone (GVL), and N-substituted pyrrolidone using formic acid as the reduction source. The successful CoPd nanoalloy formation and the electronically modulated surface were beneficial for efficient formic acid decomposition and levulinic acid adsorption. CoPd@N-C was robust and exhibited efficient recyclability and stability.